2015 NFL Draft: Pre-Combine Ranking Top 10 Kick and Punt Returner Prospects

By Brad Berreman

2015 NFL Draft: Top 10 Kick and Punt Returner Prospects Before the Combine

Ty Montgomery, NFL Draft — The NFL has made it easier for kickers to boot kickoffs through the end zone, thus minimizing the impact of kickoff returners.

But having a difference maker returning punts and kicks can help tilt the all-important field position battle, and there's still a place in the league for those that have something to offer in that area.

Here are my top-10 kick and punt returner prospects ahead of the 2015 NFL Combine.

10. Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska

Ameer Abdullah, 2015 NFL Draft

10. Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska

Ameer Abdullah, 2015 NFL Draft — Abdullah will be drafted based on his prowess as a running back, but he averaged 26.1 yards per kickoff return for the Cornhuskers and could add value in that role at the next level.

9. Akeem Hunt, RB, Purdue

Akeem Hunt, NFL Draft

9. Akeem Hunt, RB, Purdue

Akeem Hunt, NFL Draft — Hunt is a dark horse on this list, since he had limited opportunities as a return man on his way to topping 1,200 yards from scrimmage last season. But he averaged 23.7 yards per kickoff return over his sophomore and junior seasons, and that may be Hunt's path to being drafted.

8. Nelson Agholor, WR, USC

Nelson Agholor, 2015 NFL Draft

8. Nelson Agholor, WR, USC

Nelson Agholor, 2015 NFL Draft — Agholar holds USC's school record for punt return touchdowns (four) and he also had some time returning kickoffs. His big 2014 season (104 receptions and 12 touchdowns) is enough to possibly make him a second-day pick this spring, but potential production as a return man looks like an added bonus for the team that drafts Agholor.

7. Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami

Phillip Dorsett, NFL Draft

7. Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami

Phillip Dorsett, NFL Draft — Dorsett did not return many kicks in college, but he is on the rise after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and his speed makes him an exciting return man prospect.

6. Kaelin Clay, WR, Utah

Kaelin Clay, 2015 NFL Draft

6. Kaelin Clay, WR, Utah

Kaelin Clay, 2015 NFL Draft — Clay led the Pac-12 and finished in the top-five in the country in punt return average (15.0 yards per), and his three punt return touchdowns tied for the most in the country. He may be overlooked through the pre-draft process, which makes Clay a potential draft steal.

5. Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland

Stefon Diggs, 2015 NFL Draft

5. Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland

Stefon Diggs, 2015 NFL Draft — Injuries over the last two seasons are a big concern attached to Diggs, and his decision to declare for the draft a year early looks unwise. But assuming full health, he could make an immediate impact in the NFL in a specialized role.

4. Marcus Murphy, RB, Missouri

Marcus Murphy, NFL Draft

4. Marcus Murphy, RB, Missouri

Marcus Murphy, NFL Draft — Murphy had three return touchdowns last season (two kickoff, one punt) and he led the SEC in kickoff return average (29.6 yards per). His path to being drafted, and ultimately sticking in the NFL, should come as a return man.

3. Jamison Crowder, WR, Duke

Jamison Crowder, 2015 NFL Draft

3. Jamison Crowder, WR, Duke

Jamison Crowder, 2015 NFL Draft — Crowder's stock is on the rise right now, and draft analyst Charles Davis thinks he can be an elite kick and punt returner immediately in the NFL. Crowder's production as a return man (four punt return touchdowns over the last two seasons) seems to agree with that assessment.

2. Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford

Ty Montgomery, NFL Draft

2. Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford

Ty Montgomery, NFL Draft — Montgomery averaged 25.2 yards per kickoff return as a senior in 2014, along with two punt return touchdowns. His stalled development as a wide receiver has drawn ire from draft analysts, but there is a place for Montgomery as a return guy in the NFL.

1. Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State

Tyler Lockett, 2015 NFL Draft

1. Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State

Tyler Lockett, 2015 NFL Draft — Lockett averaged 28.5 yards per kickoff return during his career at Kansas State, and he led the Big 12 in punt return yards (402) with two touchdowns in 2014. He could be a highly productive pass catcher at the next level (106 receptions last season, 22 touchdowns over the last two seasons), but Lockett's prowess as a return guy stands to bolster his appeal in the draft.